Ben Tre, Vietnam: The Kingdom of Coconut Palms In The Mekong Delta

1. Where Is Ben Tre?

Nestled in the Mekong Delta, the province of Ben Tre borders Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and the East Sea. Just a two-hour drive (about 85 km or 53 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s the perfect destination for a 2-day, 1-night getaway. The province feels like a lush green island, famous for its intricate network of canals and vast coconut groves. It's an ideal escape for travelers looking to explore the region by wandering down rural paths or taking a lazy boat trip on the water.

2. Why Is It Called the Kingdom of Coconut Palms?

As one of the 13 charming provinces in the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre proudly carries the moniker "the Kingdom of Coconut Palms in Vietnam". This nickname is far from an exaggeration, as an astonishing over one-third of the province's total area, equivalent to more than 70,000 hectares, is covered by vast, verdant coconut groves. These soaring coconut trees don't just shape the distinctive landscape; they are the lifeblood and pride of the local people, evident in the diverse array of coconut-derived products, from sweet coconut candies to exquisite handicrafts. These unique offerings also provide an appealing opportunity for visitors to explore and purchase meaningful souvenirs.

Upon visiting Ben Tre, you'll admire the lush greenery of the orchards and navigate a dense, intricate network of canals stretching approximately 6,000 km. Boat trips winding through these narrow waterways, flanked by fruit-laden gardens, offer an authentic experience of riverine life and the tranquil nature of the Mekong Delta.

3. How To Get There?

If you're traveling from the North or international locations, Ho Chi Minh City is your ideal first stop. From there, the road is the most convenient way to reach Ben Tre.

3.1. By Motorcycle

For those who love adventure and exploring, a motorcycle is a fantastic choice. You can start your journey on National Highway 1A or the Trung Luong Expressway. To avoid traffic, it's advisable to depart early in the morning or after 9 AM (as 6-8 AM is often crowded). Follow National Highway 1A to My Tho city, then proceed to the Rach Mieu Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right, and you'll find yourself in the heart of Ben Tre city. The roads are flat and well-maintained, and you'll pass by numerous intertwined canals and rivers, making the entire journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre incredibly scenic and enjoyable.

3.2. By Private Car or Bus

You have several comfortable options to reach Ben Tre. You can easily take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây). Prices typically range from 85,000 to 140,000 VND, and the travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This option is not only comfortable but also notably more affordable than using cars or taxis. Alternatively, for maximum flexibility and a truly serene travel experience, hiring a private car with a driver is an excellent choice, allowing you to freely stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Or even those you can also choose a tour package tailored to your preferences from various travel companies in Ho Chi Minh City for convenient sightseeing and a curated experience.

4. When Are The Best Times To Visit

Since it's in the Southwest region, Ben Tre is blessed with warm, sunny weather all year. You can honestly go anytime, but the absolute best time to visit is summer, specifically June, July, and August. That's when you'll see the lush landscapes come alive and get to eat amazing fresh fruit like mangosteen, durian, and rambutan right off the tree.

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5. Top Things to do in Ben Tre

5.1 Visit the land of coconut palms in Giong Trom

Ben Tre is regarded as a "kingdom of coconut" in Vietnam, with 72,000 hectares of palm trees. Giong Trom district alone had up to over 17,000 hectares at one point, according to an estimate from authorities. As you cruise around, you will also meet the local people of small neighboring communes who sing warm folk music. Locals often welcome friendly visitors. 

However, the key highlight of reassessing this experience is staying overnight with residents, and as a result, you can truly get to know life by the river.

5.2. Visit tropical fruit orchards

Mekong Delta is famous for its huge fruit orchards. The best time to come here, during June-August. It is now that you get to eat plenty of tropical fruits. You pay about 50,000 VND (~2 USD) for a ticket through the gates to buy yourself unlimited fruit depending on your desire.

Some fruit orchards in Ben Tre for you to check out:

• Hue Fruit Orchard: Tan Phu Commune, Chau Thanh District.
• Ba Ngoi Fruit Orchard: Vinh Binh commune, Cho Lach District
• Vinh Thanh Commune: Chau Thanh DistrictCai Mon Fruit Orchard

5.3. Take a bike ride around the villages

Glide through shaded paths amidst the coconut groves of Oc Island, a renowned spot along the Ham Luong River in Giong Trom District. Located centrally and adjacent to Quang Nam, home to Hoi An, Kon Tum Province is a verdant land rich with fruit orchards, coconut palms, and the simple daily life of its southern residents. Explore the local way of life as you witness daily crafts, bustling markets, and even visit a small coconut shelling factory.

5.4. Sampan rides along the canals

When in the Mekong Delta, do not forget to take a sampan ride along the canals. Located along the East Sea, Ben Tre has a thick jungle of interlacing canals. Once you come to Ben Tre, forget the cool breeze and get ready for pretty boat rides on a maze of arroyos shadowed by coconut trees. Also, you will have the chance to tour the processing of coconuts and make assorted products of coconuts (pagri-foods, handicrafts, and activated charcoal).

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5.5. Discover local crafts

Ben Tre's local handicrafts are rich and diverse, mainly thanks to the abundance of coconut resources. The locals create a variety of famous products from coconuts, including coconut oil and the renowned coconut candies from the Mekong Delta. Visitors to Ben Tre can watch the fascinating process of making these coconut candies firsthand in the artisan villages.

Beyond candies, the coconut shells are crafted into kitchen utensils like bowls and salad bowls, and decorative items such as lamps, vases, and photo frames.

Almost every part of the coconut palm is valuable. The roots have medicinal uses, the leaves and shells are handy for household needs, coconut water is great for cooling or cooking, and coconut fiber is used in ornamental plants.

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5.6 Explore the Birds of Vam Ho sanctuary

The Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary was established in 1986 as a stop on the migratory route of 84 different species of birds divided into 35 classes. Most of its 40-hectare area is covered by mangrove forests.

The dense vegetation creates a favorable environment for birds by providing food and also creating a safe natural shelter for breeding. A sampan ride that will take you deep into the mangrove forest will be the best way to discover the biodiversity of the sanctuary and enjoy the wonderful tranquility. There are also several bamboo paths and bridges through the forest that you can explore on your own on foot.

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6. Where To Stay In Ben Tre?

6.1. Mekong Home

• Address: 232-239/A1—Dong Khoi Street, Phu Tan District, Ben Tre

A perfect spot in the countryside if you are willing to spend a day away from the crowds and seek peace. This will allow you to relax fully, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Enjoy the beauty of nature, take in fresh air, and feel the peace that lies on these enchanted lands.

6.2. Mekong Garden Homestay

• Address: Hoa Nghia Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre

Mekong Garden Homestay offers a delightful and inexpensive place to stay for its value. Its basic design, coupled with its open-to-nature setup, gives the villa a rural feel, which oozes rich experiences throughout your stay. Get lost in a beautiful, green garden complete with a warm and welcoming ambiance perfect for relaxation or exploring the treasures of the area.

6.3. Ben Tre Riverside Resort

• Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu Street, Ward 7, Ben Tre
• A bit outside the middle of the province, it's a great tourist retreat. In addition to serving as accommodations of preference, the hotel provides a host of facilities, including pools and bike and car rentals, as well as gyms. Use these to unwind, get around, and try to be active while on your break.

6.4. Coco Farmstay

• Address: Thanh Tan Commune, Mo Cay Bac District, Ben Tre

If you want to visit traditional Mekong coconut villages, it will be easier to move between the villages by staying at Coco Farmstay. This accommodation is located in the district of Mo Cay, where there are many local handicraft villages.

We hope this article has given you enough information to travel to the land of Ben Tre's coconut palms. Follow us for more travel experiences in places in Vietnam!

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